About 215, seetext
AnagospermaWettst.SiphonidiumJ.B.Armstr.
Euphrasia, oreyebright, is agenusof about 215speciesofherbaceousflowering plantsin thefamilyOrobanchaceae(formerly included in theScrophulariaceae), with acosmopolitan distribution. They arehemiparasiticongrassesand other plants. Both the common and generic names refer to the plant's use in a lotion for treating eyeinfections, withEuphrasialiterally meaning 'good-cheer'.
Many species are found inalpineor sub-alpine meadows where snow is common. Flowers usually are borne terminally, arezygomorphic, and have a lower petal shaped like a lip. The most common flower colours are purple, blue-white, and violet. Some species have yellow markings on the lower petal to act as a guide to pollinating insects.
Alternative names, mainly inherbalism, areAugentrostkraut, Euphrasiae herba, Herba EuphrasiaeandHerbe d'Euphraise.
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